The Wolf Within Me
Chapter 37:

In River’s bedroom

Kiani: “Right, what the hell is this ceremony about now? Rocco woke me up this morning telling me to get ready for the soulmate ceremony. (River laughs)”

River: “I told you, the soulmate ceremony is marriage.”

Kiani: “Yikes. So it's kind of a big deal then.”

River: “Pretty much.”

Kiani: “Don't you think we should wait until our threats are dealt with? I mean don't you think it's too early for this?!”

River: “We’re wolf shifters Kiani. We’ll always have threats. There’s no time like today to get married. Don’t you think?”

Kiani: “Soulmate ceremony, River.”

River: “Whatever gets you through your marriage.(Kiani rolls her eyes-River laughs)”

Sierra: “I've invited everyone to the soulmate ceremony. All our alliances are coming. A few essential wolf shifters have to come witness your soulmate's. I guess it's good they're attending because the whole committee will know your Rocco’s soulmate. You're going to be the talk of the whole community. There's already talk about your victory against Winter. Everyone wants to meet you.”

Kiani: “That sounds like a lot of wolf shifters.”

Sierra: “What did you expect? It's what humans call a wedding. (River laughs). What are you frowning about? You need to get ready. It's an all-day event. RIVER! You too, get ready. People are arriving. (both laugh - Sierra leaves)”

Kiani: “You better get a move on then.”

River: “We better, mate. (both laugh)”

In Kiani’s head: River and I say in our dorkish voice.

Kiani: “Rocco said that this was going to be damn casual. (River laughs - in the garden people talking - in the backyard)”

Sierra: “I'm glad you came, Kiani will make a strong Luna.”

Ghost: “Maia, you're gorgeous. (on the balcony)”

River: “Did Maia Just giggle like a lovesick puppy?”

Tao: “I think those two might be future mates.”

River: “SHUT THE FRONT DOOR?! How the hell did I miss this? (Tao laughs- in the woods everyone talking Rocco’s already there- in the closet)”

Kiani: “This is all very formal.”

Nia: “It’s traditional Kiani and a little bit romantic.”

Kiani: “Aren't wolves just the ultimate Romantics?”

Nia: “I remember your mother and father’s soulmate ceremony. My sister was happy and I know you are too.”

Kiani: “I wish my parents were here.”

Nia: “They are here, in spirit. (Kiani cries). Now no crying! This is your big day.”

Kiani: “I'm glad you're here. I love you.”

Nia: “I love you too.”

Kiani: “This is the dress.”

Nia: “Absolutely stunning. Don't you look beautiful? How about we tackle the hair? You know I've always hated doing hair. The effort we black women have to go through. But nevertheless, we're queens. Our hair is our crown. You look like a true Luna. A beautiful, powerful Luna. (in the woods showing everyone - in the garden)”

In Kiani’s head: I feel like I've been waiting for this moment my whole life. My wolf perks up in anticipation. She loves the attention. If her tail was out, it would be up and wagging. Sierra wasn't lying when she said she invited the whole wolf community. Two words keep repeating in my head. Don't trip. I can hear Rocco’s thoughts from here. He's laughing at me and he knows what I'm constantly repeating in my head. He can't hide the nerves coming from him. I'm officially about to become Luna of our pack. I'm ready for the honor and responsibility. Most importantly to be spiritually connected to my soulmate forever. (in the woods)

In Rocco’s head: Beautiful. I can barely breathe. I never thought I'd finally replace my soulmate. I thought I was too damaged, too messed up. I thought I could never be saved. But here I am with Kiani saving me. My whole pack, alliances and other wolf shifters have come. All I see is my beautiful soulmate ready to be mine forever. When did I become such a soppy guy? (Rocco and Kiani bow at each other - a few hours later at night - wolves dance in the moonlight - everyone’s dancing)

Rocco: “Did I say how much I love that sexy dress?”

Kiani: “Maybe once or twice. Now, this is less formal and traditional.”

Rocco: “There's one more thing everyone needs to witness which is still traditional.”

Kiani: “What are you doing? (Rocco takes off his shirt). Are you that drunk already?”

Rocco: “It’s refreshing if you still don't know all of our ways.”

Juno: “I hope you're fast, wolf girl.”

Kylo: “The soulmate hunt begins. How fast are you, Rocco?!”

Kiani: “What hunt?”

Sierra: “Rocco, I told you to tell her about the soulmate hunt.”

Nia: “I forgot wolf shifters can no longer keep their clothes on for long. Don't worry, it's nothing I haven't seen before. I did raise you.”

Billie Jean: “Don't make it easy for him to catch you, Kiani.”

Tao: “If this isn't my favorite part of the-”

Kiani: “SHUT IT TAO!!!”

Rocco: “I'm the Hunter, and you're going to be my delicious prey. (Rocco takes off his pants). You better run, little wolf.”

In Kiani’s head: Fucking traditions. I hope he likes a long-ass hunt. I'm no one's prey. Let this soulmate hunt begin. (everyone cheers). My wolf rubs against Rocco teasing him, her tail is the last to caress. Without hesitation, I ran off at full speed.

In Rocco’s head: My wolf is cocky as hell. He grips his claws in and out of the ground. Takes his time as he watches his soulmate found further into the darkest of the trees. Let's face it, there's no escaping me. Soon my mate will be penned and marked. I know precisely where I’ll hunt her. I love this tradition. (Rocco runs off)

In Nia’s head: This is the first time I’ve seen Kiani’s wolf. It's purely phenomenal.

In Billie Jean’s head: I wonder if I'll replace my soulmate. Why did his name suddenly pop in my head? ( in the Hawthorne’s library)

Embry: “Winter’s dead. Fang’s mate. He's getting less valuable by the second.”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “You have my permission to kill him and his pack for all I care.”

Embry: “No lives will be spared. Consider Fang and his pack dead.”

Mrs. Hawthorne: “Good. They’ll only get in our way. We don't need them. I have all that I need. Everything is in place. Soon I'll just sip back and watch it all unfold.”

Fate: “Time to finally kill some wolves. I hope you're ready for it.”

Embry: “Guaranteed I'll kill more wolf shifters than you. (in the cave)”

In Kiani’s head: Me and Rocco shift back but our wolves are still close to the surface.

Rocco: “Now I've caught you. You're mine.”

Kiani: “I was always yours, and you were always mine.”

Rocco: “My Luna.”

In Kiani’s head: Sounds of passion and love echo around the magical cave again. The trouble always lurks in the shadows. A wolf shifter’s life is never safe.